Outbreak Investigations & Safety Advisories

FDA Human Foods Program

The following is an update from FDA of concern to our subscribers.

Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Jalapeño

Do not eat, serve, or sell recalled fresh jalapeños or products containing recalled jalapeños. FDA’s investigation is ongoing. 

August 19, 2026

The FDA and CDC, in collaboration with state and local partners, are investigating illnesses in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors to distributors, restaurants, and food service companies, including Mexican-style restaurants in the U.S.

Based on epidemiological information collected by CDC, a total of 431 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 32 states. There have been 57 hospitalizations and zero deaths reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from June 19, 2026, to August 2, 2026. Of the 224 people interviewed, 203 (91%) reported eating at a Mexican-style restaurant before their illness, including Chipotle Mexican Grill and QDOBA, with meal dates ranging from June 14, 2026, to July 16, 2026.

As a result of Coast Citrus Distributors’ recall of fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, several downstream recalls of jalapeños and products containing recalled jalapeños have been initiated. Consumers should review product recall information and not eat products containing recalled jalapeños. Consumers should follow guidance in each recall about returning recalled products to their place of purchase for a refund. 

Distributors, manufacturers, restaurants, and food service companies who received recalled fresh jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors imported from Sinaloa, Mexico, should not sell, serve, or use them to manufacture products. Carefully clean and sanitize any surfaces or containers that recalled jalapeños touched. If you cannot tell where your jalapeño peppers came from, you should work with your supplier to determine their source and discard the product if it was jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Manufacturers who may have used recalled jalapenos to create new products should consider if they need to initiate a recall and contact their FDA recall coordinator. Consumers who recently dined at a Mexican-style restaurant and have become ill should seek medical care.

FDA’s investigation remains ongoing. This advisory will be updated with more information as it becomes available. 

Read the full update.

Recalls, Outbreaks & Emergencies